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June 17, 2009

U.N. Chief Warns of AIDS Funding Negligence in Faltering Economy

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon advised government leaders not to let the global economic downturn disrupt AIDS funding pledges, The Associated Press reports. On June 16, he called for “bold action” to break down social barriers and work toward achieving universal access to comprehensive HIV prevention services, treatment, care and support by 2010. World leaders set the 2010 goal for universal HIV care in 2006.

While 110 out of 192 U.N. member states successfully achieved universal access and others are making headway, $25 billion is needed for countries to meet their 2010 goal, which is $11.3 billion more than what is available today.

“The economic crisis should not be an excuse to abandon commitments,” the secretary-general said. “It should be an impetus to make the right investments that will yield benefits for generations to come.”

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